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Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Wendy Wiles
attracts ghosts, first in Ghost for Rent,
when her parents separate and she, her brother, and mother move into a haunted
house. The story begins in Portland, Oregon and quickly moves to small town,
Scappoose, Oregon. Miserable at leaving her friends and beloved Portland
behind, Wendy meets her neighbor Jennifer who tells her the house Wendy’s mom
rented is haunted. After two of them appear to Wendy, the girls find themselves
tracking down the mystery of who the ghosts are and why they "live"
in the Wiles' home.

In Ghost for Lunch, Wendy’s friend,
Jennifer, moves away, leaving Wendy sad until new neighbors and their
restaurant in St. Helens bring ghosts back into Wendy's life. She, her brother,
and their new friend discover the two cases are connected. Once again, the
young sleuths use clues and lots of brainstorming to figure out who is haunting
the restaurant.

While on
the surface, these two stories appear to be about ghosts and the mystery of
solving them, they are also about the importance of family and friends and
working together to solve a problem.

My Review: Great fun characters. Wendy is scared at first when she learns her house is haunted. Ghost aren't real her mother says. Wendy is determined to help solve these ghostly mysteries. In the first book she helps the ghost haunting her home. In the second book she helps ghost haunting a restaurant. Her brother Mike might pick on her like brothers do, but they learn to get along. Good book about ghosts, family, and friendship. Thanks, Penny, for a good read.

1.Tell
us about your book and how the story came to be.

Ghostly
Visions, published
by 4RV Publishing,is a two-for-one
edition of Ghost for Rent and

Ghost for Lunch. Hardshell Word Factory
originally published the first of the stories in 2002.

I had been writing short
stories and non-fiction articles for close to five years when my young

daughter
told me she didn’t think I was a “real” writer since I hadn’t written a
book. To

challenge myself and to see if
I could, I decided to write a children’s novel.
A neighbor told

me about hearing a piano playing in her rented
farmhouse.The idea intrigued me and I
thought a

mystery about ghosts might appeal to the middle grade readers.Hardshell eventually went out

of business,
and I got my rights back.

I had a lot of fun writing Ghost for Rent. After I got my rights
back, I decided to write another

novel using most of the original
characters.I read an article in our
local paper about a restaurant

in a neighboring town that was reported to be
haunted.This seemed the perfect spot
for a sequel.

When I approached 4RV with
Ghost for Lunch, advising them there
was another in the series, they decided they wanted the first story as well and
put together the two-for-one package.

2.What
three words best describe your main character?

Determined,
curious, and clever.

3. Do
you have a method for creating your characters, their names and what do you think

makes them believable?

When creating characters, I usually
think about the people I know. I then
take character

traits from different people and combine them to create a unique
individual. I have used

different
methods for choosing names. Sometimes I
hear a name I like and I jot it down to

use later in a story. I have used web sites of popular baby names. I worked for a few years

with an agency that
dealt with juveniles and I often made note of unusual names that appealed

to
me.

In order to make my characters
believable, I try to give them little quirks.
For example

in Ghostly Visions,
Wendy, my main character, likes to write poetry. I make sure the characters

Penny
Lockwood (Ehrenkranz) has published over 100 articles, 75 stories, a chapbook,
and her stories have been included in two anthologies. She writes for both
adults and children. Her fiction has appeared in numerous genre and children’s
publications, and non‑fiction work has appeared in a variety of writing,
parenting, and young adult print magazines and on line publications. She is a former editor for MuseItUp
Publishing, 4RV Publishing, and Damnation Books. Visit her web site at http://
pennylockwoodehrenkranz.yolasite.com and her writing blog at http://pennylockwoodehrenkranz.blogspot.com/.

4RV Publishing
has joined her two middle grade novels (Ghost
for Rent and Ghost for Lunch) as Ghostly Visions. She recently released Boo’s Bad Day with 4RV Publishing
and has one other children’s picture book under contract with them: Many Colored Coats. She has three
romances published by MuseItUp
Publishing: Love Delivery, Lady in
Waiting, and Mirror, Mirror. Her
short story collection, A Past and A
Future, is available through Alban Lake
Publishing and Smashwords.

Tuesday, June 21, 2016

BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the children's adventure book written by P.T. Evans, Emoji Adventures Volume 1: The Horse Party. The blast will run June 20 - June 22, 2016.

About the Book

Title: Emoji Adventures Volume 1: The Horse Party | Author: P.T. Evans | Genre: Children's Adventure | Number of Pages: 108 | Publisher: Montage Publishing | Publication Date: February 21, 2016Book Description:OBSESSED WITH EMOJIS?
LOL with your favorite emojis as they come to life in this fun, new series. Follow Annie with the constant smile; Kevin, her devilish brother; Billy, poop head and BFF; and Dot, the love-struck jock as they make their way through Emoji Elementary.

What others have to say about the book..."I LOVE this book! The dialogue is witty (and LOL funny); the characters are endearing; and the theme is universally sweet. The author has created a unique experience, blending modern inventions of emojis with classic lessons for kids (and, truly, all of us). It would make a fun read-aloud as well! Definitely a winner." - Robin (Amazon)

"This book is darling! My girls fell in love with Annie and her emoji buddies! We can't wait for the next installment so we can laugh and keep on reading!!!" - Amazon Reviewer

Montage Publishing Summer Reading Program

"We at Montage Publishing are committed to creating quality books for children; as parents and educators, we’re also aware of the academic backslide that can happen during summer. We’ve created some worksheets, a reading log, and a certificate of achievement to be used alongside our EMOJI ADVENTURES series. Feel free to use them as they are or adapt them to your specific needs.

To further encourage summer reading, we’re having a drawing for two sets of EMOJI ADVENTURES books – one for the winning student; one for his/her library."

About the Author: P.T. Evans

P.T. Evans has been writing books for children under various names for two decades. With seventeen novels, numerous author visits, and state reading awards, Evans' books have been translated into two dozen languages.

Book Blast Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choiceGiveaway ends: July 4, 11:59 pm, 2016 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, P.T. Evans and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.

Monday, June 20, 2016

BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the middle grade fantasy written by P.H.T. Bennet, Raising Sleeping Stones (The Orora Crona Chronicles, Book One). The blast will run June 20 - June 22, 2016.

When sisters Kiva and DeeDee Stone discover a mysterious plot that threatens them and everything they care about, they have to take a crash course in the ancient art of DreamKeeping to survive. As two elder DreamKeepers lead them up the Varruvyen river to the Eyle of Return, they show the girls how to gain dream powers greater than anything they had ever imagined. But can they become strong enough to face the monsters that haunt their dreams at night, strong enough to fight the enemies that draw nearer each day? The answer lies somewhere in the broken history of Orora Crona, the Valley of Dreams lost centuries ago, and whoever can piece it together first will rule for centuries to come.

Kiva looked closely at the sun’s golden face. Wavy rays representing shimmering heat radiated out from it. Its cheeks were plump, the lips full and curved, the nose wide, and the eyes were a little almond-shaped, like hers. In the middle of its forehead was a weird circle with six curving parts swirling around a six-pointed star. She’d never seen the sun drawn like that. Wondering what was on the back of the pendant, Kiva turned it over.

The instant she saw the moon’s closed eyes, her hair flew back in the wind, her stomach dropped, and she was pressed back against the cushions of a vessel that was flying just inches above the river. She jerked her head back up and found she was in the back of a crescent-shaped boat piloted by an old man sitting up front. She was about to call out to him when he pointed at a tree that had fallen across the river and shouted, “When you get here, you must take a detour that even old Jacques didn’t know about! Hold on!”

Before she could, though, he turned the boat around so quickly that Kiva was thrown against the side of her boat and the wind was knocked out of her. She only got her breath back when he straightened out and followed the river back down.

“Look there!” he shouted moments later. “Turn right between the tall twins!”

"Great adventure tale that is both coming-of-age story and testimony to the power of dreams." - Thomas G. (Amazon)

"I was enthralled by this book from beginning to end. Truly connected with the intent and purpose behind the story, as well as the strong concept of dealing with dreams. I would definitely recommend this app..." - Amazon Reviewer

"Both allegorically and psychologically the author deftly explores the richness of young people's emotional lives. I read this story both in its app form and on Kindle. The book is beautifully illustrated and in its app form adds a great sound track. A wonderful book!" - Edward D. (Amazon)

About the Author: P.H.T. Bennet

P.H.T. Bennet began exploring his dreams when he was a child and has never bothered to stop. He had the good luck to have two daughters, Juliette and Paola, who not only served as the inspirations for DeeDee and Kiva, the main characters of Raising Sleeping Stones, but also helped him turn their family dreamwork sessions into this book. His lucky streak grew when he married his lovely wife, Mim, who tolerates his turning on a light in the middle of the night to write down ever-crazier dreams and talking about them in the morning as long as he lets her sleep in, first. His favorite dreams involve flying, visiting the dead, and replaying nightmares until they reveal their secrets.

Pratt’s latest projects are editing Book Two of the Orora Crona Chronicles and planning a virtual summer dreaming camp with other dream authors.

Book Blast Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choiceGiveaway ends: July 4, 11:59 pm, 2016 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, P.H.T. Bennet and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.

About the Book

What if you were 8, or 11, or 14, and you could race cars at 150 mph, bungee jump, fly, eat all the ice cream and candy you wanted, or become powerful avatars such as Robobug, Kulshedra the dragon, and Altai, the gryphon avatar? All this and more is possible in the ultimate virtual reality game The Cryptogram Connection created by 14-year-old computer whiz Cody Reynolds and his two classmates, Nicole Nash and Kerry McCorkle. To advance to different levels in the game, players must solve cryptograms, or secret codes. (Readers also get to solve the cryptograms.)They create their game to be used with the latest VR technology developed by local game manufacturer NuVision Games–a headset with biosensors that transmit signals to the brain, fooling it into tasting, hearing, feeling, seeing, and smelling what was programmed into the game. The games are as close to reality as reality itself.The game becomes every kids’ virtual dream, and Cody, Nicole, and Kerry, besides becoming national celebrities, make more money than they ever imagined. But The Cryptogram Connection turns into “cryptogram chaos” when an evil presence inhabits Zazar, the laser avatar and the most powerful, and takes control of the game. It’s up to the three partners to enter the game and fight Zazar to save the gamers from virtual—and real—disaster.

Take a look inside the book...

Cryptogram Connection: Level 1

Cryptogram Connection: Level 2

Cryptogram Connection: Level 3

My Review: Great book. I loved it. Cody, Nicole, and Kerry didn't know what danger they would get into when they invented the game Cryptogram Connection. They just wanted to invent a fun game and make some money. The kids end up saving the world. Great, fun characters. Visual descriptions made me feel like I was in the game.

About the Author: Linda Covella

Linda Covella’s varied background and education (an AA degree in art, an AS degree in mechanical drafting & design, and a BS degree in Manufacturing Management) have led her down many paths and enriched her life experiences. But one thing she never strayed from is her love of writing. Her first official publication was a restaurant review column for a local newspaper. But when she published articles for various children’s magazines, she realized she’d found her niche: writing for children. She hopes to bring to children the feelings books gave her when she was a child: the worlds they opened, the things they taught, the feelings they expressed. She has published one young adult historical romance Yakimali’s Gift, and, besides Cryptogram Chaos, two other middle grade novels in The Ghost Whisperer Series: The Castle Blues Quake and The Ghosts of Pebble Brook Lodge. She is a member of the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She lives in Santa Cruz with her husband, Charlie, and dog, Ginger. No matter what new paths Linda may travel down, she sees her writing as a lifelong joy and commitment. Learn more about Linda and her writing at http://lindacovella.com/.

Blog Tour Giveaway

Prize:One winner will receive a 25 Amazon gift cardor$25 PayPal cash prize,winner's choiceGiveaway ends: June 13, 11:59 pm, 2016Open to:InternationallyHow to enter:Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.Terms and Conditions:NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Linda Covella and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the charming children's book written by Sharon Durgin and illustrated by Joan Coleman, Marty and the Christmas Eve Surprise. The blast will run June 7 - June 9, 2016.

About the Book

Marty is a little mouse who has lots of fun with his friends as they get ready for Christmas. But when the house cats get involved, you can expect a little bit of mischief. Can Marty save the day in time for Christmas?

Take a peek inside the book...

About the Author: Sharon Durgin

Sharon E. Durgin is a designer in the engineering business and an active member of Toastmasters International. With her love of the spoken and written word she has created Marty and the Christmas Eve Surprise. This is her first book, and she looks forward to publishing more stories of Marty's life. Sharon has two adult children and lives and works in Greenville, South Carolina.

Book Blast Giveaway

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Sharon Durgin and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.

About the Book

Book Description: An ancient forest, a dark night, a strange woman—and whispers.

What is going on in this eerie Irish forest? Ten-year-old Declan has to find out. His brother is missing and only he can solve the mystery. But why him? He doesn’t even like his always-yelling brother who his sister says was eaten by wolves. But there are no wolves in Ireland.

Then a witch-like woman tells him the two of them have to go into the spooky woods to save his brother. But from what? The strange trees only whisper the answer and he must discover what they are trying to tell him. But he will learn much more than he ever dreamed.

Whispers of Trees is a fun, page-turning thriller hinting of myth that delivers a multicultural adventure. This is the second book in the Mythic Adventures Collection. The first book is The Boy Who Flew With Eagles.

"This is a great story for young readers. It has a great sense of nature and a great feeling of listening to your heart. I love that the author combined fantasy with folklore to create this perfect length story." -Deal Sharing Aunt

"The author did a great job revealing a ten-year-old's inner struggle against fear, suspicion, and emotional distance from his father and brother." - Ice Fairy's Treasure Chest"It has the perfect amount of mystery and suspense as well as a wonderful lesson for kids and adults. " - Lizards Laughter and Love"Well written story that inspires your imagination." - Kay LaLone

Take a peek at the trees...

About the Author: Ben Woodard

Ben is an adventurer and storyteller who has traveled the world including climbing on Mt. Everest. He now writes adventure stories for boys and girls. Tales of lost gold and river caves, and flying with eagles. Stories of friendship that endure through adversity and danger. Adventures that inspire and educate and, most of all, entertain.

Book Blast Giveaway

Giveaway ends: June 20, 11:59 pm, 2016Open to: InternationallyHow to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Ben Woodard and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the children's historical fiction book written by Leigh Shearin, John Bloom and the Victory Garden: Digging In. The blast will run June 1 - 3, 2016.

The fun continues in Appleside, NJ, as John Bloom and his pals live, laugh, and watch the incredible events of late 1942 as they unfold across the world. The attack on Pearl Harbor has brought America into the global war, and everyone's involved- even children! Join them as they do what they can to help with the war effort, even from a small, rural, American town.

Leigh earned a B.A. degree in Studio Art at Maryville College and worked as a graphic artist before earning an ASS degree in Culinary Art. She has worked as a chef, baker and culinary arts instructor. Most recently, she and her husband bought rural land and are developing Winter'Rest, a small farm in central New York. Through all this, Leigh wrote stories and poems...some published; some tucked away.

She is happiest living off the land and is an ardent supporter of local and sustainable farms, farmers and practices. Seasonal fresh produce from Winter'Rest Farm is even on the menus of some Farm-to-Fork restaurants in the Central New York. Leigh is also an accomplished photographer, working in Fine Art Photography from age 20, under the name M. Leigh Emery.

Leigh writes fiction stories for middle-grade readers. Along with illustrator Kate Shearin, Leigh spins tales of self-sufficiency and independence, along with gentle agriculture education. Since historical fiction is also a lifetime interest, Leigh uses true stories of the past to bring inspiration and joy to modern-day children.

Giveaway ends: June 15, 11:59 pm, 2016Open to: InternationallyHow to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Leigh Shearin and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.a Rafflecopter giveaway